Device cooperation system, function providing method

ABSTRACT

A first device includes a determining unit for determining a first number allocated to the first device and a second number allocated to a second device, a first storage for storing a first possible amount that the user can output with the first device, a first output unit for outputting an object of the first number, when the first number is less than the first possible amount, and a first update unit for updating the first possible amount according to an output number output by the first device. The second device includes a second output unit for outputting an object of the second number, when the second number is less than a second possible amount, and a second update unit for updating the second possible amount according to an output number output by the second device, only when authentication of the user is successful.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device cooperation system in whichplural devices connected via a network take partial charge of providingfunctions of the devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is known a processing format referred to as device cooperation, bywhich plural devices connected in a network cooperate with each other toexecute a single job. Device cooperation means, for example, that pluraldevices take partial charge of providing functions necessary for asingle job constituted by a series of processes starting from input tooutput.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of executing a job by device cooperation.An MFP (multifunction peripheral) 1 and an MFP 2 are connected to eachother via a network. The MFP 1 does not have a fax function, but the MFP2 has a fax function. A user Q wants to transmit image data by fax, butbecause the MFP 1 does not have a fax function, the user Q uses the MFP1 to scan an original document by the scanner function, and use the faxfunction of the MFP 2 to transmit the image data by fax.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of executing a job by devicecooperation. Both the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 have a printing function. Theuser Q wants to print out plural copies of the image data. The printingoperation can be done with only the MFP 1; however, by having the MFP 2take partial charge of the printing operation, the printing operationcan be completed quickly. The user Q may operate the MFP 1 to scan theoriginal document with the scanning function, and transmit the imagedata and print conditions to the MFP 2, so that the printing operationis shared by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2.

Incidentally, MFPs are shared by many users in offices. For this reason,conventionally, there are MFPs having a function of setting the upperlimit frequency (upper limit usage amount) of copying and printing foreach user, so that a particular person does not use the copying andprinting functions unlimitedly (see, for example, Patent Document 1).Patent document 1 discloses the following service execution device. Theservice execution device transmits, to a server, a usage request forauthentication information and a usage request of a scheduled number ofsheets to be used. When the scheduled number of sheets to be usedrequested to the server is less than or equal the number of sheets thatthe user can use, the service execution device executes a job based onuser instructions with the scheduled number of sheets to be used set asthe upper limit.

However, in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to authenticate auser by a server so that authentication for plural devices can beperformed at once, the user Q cannot be authenticated unless there is aserver. That is to say, in a case where the respective devices are toauthenticate the user instead of the server, no consideration is made asto how the MFP 2 authenticates the user Q. For example, when the user Qdoes not have the authority to use the MFP 2, the user Q is not to beallowed to use the MFP 2 in device cooperation. Furthermore, even if theuser Q has the authority to use the MFP 2, if the MFP 2 cannotauthenticate the user Q, it is not possible to count or limit the usageamount of the user Q. Accordingly, in the conventional devicecooperation system, the usage amount of the user cannot be accuratelylimited when device cooperation is performed.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.    2010-074431

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device cooperation system and afunction providing method, in which one or more of the above-describeddisadvantages are eliminated.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a devicecooperation system and a function providing method by which the usageamount of a user can be limited when device cooperation is performed,even when there is no server used for authentication.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided adevice cooperation system including plural devices connected via anetwork, which take partial charge of providing a function of the pluraldevices, wherein a first device operated by a user includes a firstauthentication unit configured to authenticate the user, an acquiringunit configured to acquire image data that is an output target, anoutput condition receiving unit configured to receive an outputcondition used when the first device and at least one second deviceoutput the image data, a first operation control unit configured tocontrol an output operation of the first device based on the outputcondition, and send an output request to the at least one second device,a first storage unit configured to store a first possible output amountthat the user can output with the first device, an allocation numberdetermining unit configured to determine a first output number to beallocated to the first device and a second output number to be allocatedto the at least one second device, a data communication unit configuredto send the image data, the second output number, and user informationof the user to the at least one second device, a first output unitconfigured to output an output object corresponding to the first outputnumber, when the first output number is less than or equal to the firstpossible output amount, and a first possible output amount update unitconfigured to update the first possible output amount according to anoutput number output by the first device, and the at least one seconddevice includes a second authentication unit configured to authenticatethe user based on the user information received from the first device, asecond storage unit configured to store a second possible output amountthat the user can output with the at least one second device, a secondoperation control unit configured to control an output operation of theat least one second device in response to the output request from thefirst device, when the second authentication unit determines thatauthentication of the user is successful, a second output unitconfigured to output an output object corresponding to the second outputnumber, when the second output number is less than or equal to thesecond possible output amount, and a second possible output amountupdate unit configured to update the second possible output amountaccording to an output number output by the at least one second device,only when the second authentication unit determines that authenticationof the user is successful.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided afunction providing method by which plural devices connected via anetwork take partial charge of providing a function of the pluraldevices, the function providing method including authenticating a useroperating a first device, performed by a first authentication unit;acquiring image data that is an output target, performed by an acquiringunit; receiving an output condition used when the first device and atleast one second device output the image data, performed by an outputcondition receiving unit; controlling an output operation of the firstdevice based on the output condition and sending an output request tothe at least one second device, performed by a first operation controlunit; determining a first output number to be allocated to the firstdevice and a second output number to be allocated to the at least onesecond device, performed by an allocation number determining unit;outputting an output object corresponding to the first output numberperformed by a first output unit, when the first output number is lessthan or equal to a first possible output amount stored in a firststorage unit, the first possible output amount being an amount that theuser can output with the first device; sending the image data, thesecond output number, and user information of the user to the at leastone second device, performed by a data communication unit; updating thefirst possible output amount according to an output number output by thefirst device, performed by a first possible output amount update unit;acquiring the user information of the user from the first device andauthenticating the user, performed by a second authentication unit ofthe at least one second device; controlling an output operation of theat least one second device in response to the output request from thefirst device performed by a second operation control unit, when thesecond authentication unit determines that authentication of the user issuccessful; outputting an output object corresponding to the secondoutput number performed by a second output unit, when the second outputnumber is less than or equal to a second possible output amount storedin a second storage unit, the second possible output amount being anamount that the user can output with the at least one second device; andupdating the second possible output amount according to an output numberoutput by the at least one second device performed by a second possibleoutput amount update unit, only when the second authentication unitdetermines that authentication of the user is successful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of executing a job by device cooperation;

FIG. 2 illustrates another example of executing a job by devicecooperation;

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a device cooperation system;

FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate examples of formats of device cooperationof the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 in respective applications;

FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of a device cooperation system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a hardware configuration of the MFP 1, 2;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the MFP;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of usage amount limit information;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of device management information;

FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between blocks when the MFP 1 andMFP 2 perform device cooperation;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example of a list of communicationpossible devices;

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart indicating procedures performed bythe MFP 1 and the MFP 2 for authenticating a user Q;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a menu of a device cooperation jobdisplayed on a display unit;

FIGS. 14A through 14C illustrate an example of a menu of a devicecooperation job displayed on a display unit;

FIGS. 15A through 15E illustrate an example of job information;

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2;

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating procedures of authenticatinga user Q and executing a device cooperation job performed by the MFP 1and the MFP 2 (authentication NG);

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (authentication NG);

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (authentication NG); and

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (authentication NG).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description is given, with reference to the accompanying drawings, ofembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a device cooperation system 200according to the present embodiment. An MFP (multifunction peripheral) 1and an MFP 2 (hereinafter, referred to as “MFP 100” when notdistinguished from each other) can execute a single job by cooperatingwith each other. This system in which plural devices provide functionsto each other is referred to as the device cooperation system 200. A jobthat is executed by two or more MFPs in cooperation with each other isreferred to as a device cooperation job.

FIG. 3A schematically illustrates procedures performed by the MFP 1 andthe MFP 2 for executing a device cooperation job of a copy application.The MFP 1 and the MFP 2 respectively store the possible usage amount inwhich the remaining number of pages that the user Q can use isregistered, in the usage amount limit information. The possible usageamount of the MFP 1 is, for example, the number of pages that the user Qcan output with the MFP 1, and the possible usage amount of the MFP 2is, for example, the number of pages that the user Q can output with theMFP 2. In the present embodiment, image data corresponding to one sideof a sheet is referred to as one page, regardless of whether the pagesare combined or the amount of toner used, and the minimum unit of asheet material is referred to as one page, regardless of single-sidedprinting or double-sided printing.

(1) In a case where the user Q operates the MFP 1 to execute a devicecooperation job in which the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 perform printing,first, the MFP 1 authenticates the user Q.

(2) When the authentication is successful, the MFP 1 sends the userinformation used for authentication to the MFP 2. The MFP 2 canauthenticate the user Q with the user information. The MFP 2 sends theauthentication result to the MFP 1, and therefore if the authenticationis successful, the MFP 1 executes the device cooperation job. Asdescribed above, the respective devices authenticate the user, andtherefore even if a server for authentication is not provided, thedevices providing functions to the device cooperation job canauthenticate the user.

(3) When the user Q operates the MFP 1 to execute a device cooperationjob for performing printing with the MFP 1 and the MFP 2, the MFP 1allocates a number of pages to the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (hereinafter,allocated page number). When the MFP 1 determines the allocated pagenumber of the MFP 2, the MFP 1 uses device management information of theMFP 2 to determine the allocated page number of the MFP 2 to attainminimized printing time or efficient power consumption.

(4) The MFP 1 and the MFP 2 performs printing of the allocated pagenumbers, within the respective possible usage amounts.

(5) The MFP 1 subtracts the allocated page number (printed page number)from the possible usage amount of itself, and the MFP 2 subtracts theallocated page number (printed page number) from the possible usageamount of itself. In this manner, the respective devices authenticatethe user, and therefore each device can accurately count and limit theusage amount.

In the case of a printer application, a PC (personal computer) (notshown) requests a device cooperation job to the MFP 1. The PC transmitsprint conditions and image data of the device cooperation job to the MFP1, and thereafter the MFP 1 performs processing as in the case of thecopy application.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates procedures performed by the MFP 1 andthe MFP 2 for executing a device cooperation job of a fax application.In the present embodiment, the MFP 1 determines the allocation, and theMFP 1 and the MFP 2 have a fax function. However, even if the MFP 1 doesnot have a fax function, if an MFP 3 (not shown) has a fax function, theMFP 1 determines the number of pages to be allocated to the MFP 2 andthe MFP 3.

In the case of a fax application, similar to the copy application, theMFP 1 authenticates the user Q, the MFP 2 authenticates the user Q, theusage amounts are allocated, and fax transmission is performed withinthe possible usage amount. Therefore, even for a different application,the authentication method and the limitation of the usage amountaccording to the present embodiment are applicable.

Device Cooperation

A description is given of device cooperation. Device cooperationincludes all formats where one MFP uses the function of the other MFP.That is to say, cases in which a job is not executed or an applicationis not operating are also referred to as device cooperation. However,the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 often operate for each application, andtherefore a description is given by taking an application as an example.In the description, it is assumed that the device operated by the useris the MFP 1.

The application identifies a combination of one of the plural inputunits of the MFP and one of the plural output units of the MFP, andcontrols devices and provides functions based on the identifiedcombination.

FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate examples of formats of device cooperationof the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate a copyapplication, a scanner application, and a transmission application;however, other applications may also be implemented by having the MFP 1and the MFP 2 provide functions to each other. In the copy application,a single job goes through the processes of scanning an original documentby a scanner function, image processing, printing, and post-processing(finishing). Image processing is, for example, OCR processing andconfidential print processing. Post-processing is, for example, holepunching and stapling. These processes are not frequently used.

In the scanner application, a single job goes through the processes ofscanning an original document by a scanner function, image processing,and transmitting. The image processing is, for example, OCR processing,PDF conversion, and encryption processing. These processes are notfrequently used. Transmission includes the processes of, for example,transmitting by email or transmitting to a folder of the user Q.

In the transmission application, a single job goes through the processesof scanning an original document by a scanner function, imageprocessing, and fax transmission. Image processing is, for example, OCRprocessing and confidential print processing. These processes are notfrequently used. Fax transmission is, for example, fax transmissionusing a telephone line or an IP network.

Furthermore, as described above, device cooperation may be performedwithout executing a device cooperation job. In this case, the user Q mayinput instructions in the MFP 1 to read the image data stored in the MFP2 from the MFP 1 and process the image data. The process may includeprinting, e-mail transmission, and fax transmission. Furthermore, theprocess may include deleting image data of the MFP 2 by the MFP 1, anddisplaying a preview of image data of the MFP 2 by the MFP 1. Asdescribed above, even if the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 do not execute a devicecooperation job, a format of device cooperation is created.

Furthermore, FIGS. 4A through 4D describe device corporation of twoMFPs; however, there may be cases where three or more MFPs performdevice cooperation. In the case of device cooperation performed by threeor more MFPs, combinations of MFPs taking charge of editing andoutputting increase.

Configuration Example

FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of the device cooperation system 200.A LAN 1 and a LAN 2 form a single WAN. The LAN 1 and the LAN 2 areconnected by an L3 switch or a router (not shown). Device cooperationmay be performed when the number of LANs may be one or three or more.Communications among the MFP 1 through MFP 4, communications betweenservers 1 and 2, and communications between the MFP 1 through MFP 4 anda server 300 (hereinafter, referred to as server 1 or 2 whendistinguished) may be wired or wireless.

To the LAN 1, three MFPs 1 through 3 and a server 1 are connected. Tothe LAN 2, the MFP 4 and the server 2 are connected. The MFPs 1 through4 have at least one function among copying, scanning, fax transmission,and printing. The MFPs 1 through 4 do not need to have the samefunctions. Furthermore, the MFPs 1 through 4 may respectively havefunctions unique to themselves.

The servers 1 and 2 may be, for example, an information processingapparatus for user authentication or an information processing apparatusfor providing functions that the MFPs 1 through 4 do not have (forexample, OCR processing, translation processing, and converting fileformats), although the servers 1 and 2 are not necessary. Furthermore,in the present embodiment, each MFP has usage amount limit information;however, when the server stores the usage amount limit information ofeach user, the server 1 or 2 is used. The server 1 or 2 not onlycompares the possible usage amounts of the respective MFPs, but may alsocompare the total usage amount that the user users the MFPs 1 through 4with the usage amount limit information.

Furthermore, in the LAN 1, the MFPs 1 through 3 form a network through ahub or a LAN switch, and the MFP 2 and the MFP 3 are connected by anIEEE1394 interface. As described above, in the device cooperation system200, one or all of the MFPs may be locally connected (in a peer-to-peermanner). Furthermore, the connection interface may be USB or a LANcable, as long as communications can be performed between the MFPs. Bylocally connecting the MFPs, the image data is not transmitted throughthe LAN 1, 2, and therefore the network load can be reduced.Furthermore, the image data does not flow through the LAN 1, 2, andtherefore security is enhanced.

In the device cooperation system 200 illustrated in FIG. 5, thefollowing cooperation formats may be created.

Two or more arbitrary MFPs in the LAN 1 execute a single devicecooperation job.

One or more arbitrary MFPs in the LAN 1 and the MFP 4 in the LAN 2execute a single device cooperation job.

Furthermore, device cooperation may be performed with the use of theservers 1, 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a hardware configuration of the MFP 1, 2. The MFP 100includes a controller 120, an operations panel 130, an FCU (facsimilecontrol unit) 140, a scanner engine 150, and a plotter engine 160.

The controller 120 includes a CPU 101, an ASIC 113, a NB (north bridge)102, a SB (south bridge) 106, a MEM-P (system memory) 103, a MEM-C(local memory) 104, a HDD (hard disk drive) 105, a memory card slot 111,a NIC (network interface controller) 107, a USB device 108, an IEEE 1394device 109, and a centronics device 110.

The CPU 101 is an IC for executing various kinds of informationprocessing, and executes programs for providing applications andservices in parallel in units of processes, by an OS such as UNIX(registered trademark). The ASIC 113 is an IC for image processing. TheNB 102 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 101 and the ASIC 113. The SB106 is a bridge for connecting the NB 102 with peripheral devices. TheASIC 113 and the NB 102 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated GraphicsPort).

The MEM-P 103 is a memory connected to the NB 102. The MEM-C 104 is amemory connected to the ASIC 113. The HDD 105 is a storage connected tothe ASIC 113, and is used for storing image data, document data,programs, font data, and form data.

The memory card slot 111 is connected to the SB 106, and is used forsetting (inserting) a memory card 112. The memory card 112 is a flashmemory such as a USB memory, and is used for distributing a program 115.The program 115 may be distributed by being downloaded from apredetermined server to the MFP 100.

The NIC 107 is a controller for performing data communications using MACaddresses via a network. The USB device 108 is a device for providing aserial port in compliance with the USB specification. The IEEE 1394device 109 is a device for providing a serial port in compliance withthe IEEE 1394 specification. The centronics device 110 is a device forproviding a parallel part in compliance with the centronicsspecification. The NIC 107, the USB device 108, the IEEE 1394 device109, and the centronics device 110 are connected to the NB 102 and theSB 106 via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

The operations panel 130 is a hardware component (operation unit) usedby the user Q for inputting information in the MFP 100. The operationspanel 130 includes a display unit 170 that is a hardware component forthe MFP 100 to provide visible information to the operator. Theoperations panel 130 is connected to the ASIC 113. The FCU 140, thescanner engine 150, and the plotter engine 160 are connected to the ASIC113 via the PCI bus 114.

The scanner engine 150 optically scans an original document placed on acontact glass, performs image processing by A/D converting thereflection light from the original document, and generates digital data(hereinafter, image data) having a predetermined resolution.

The plotter engine 160 includes, for example, tandem typephotoconductive drums, and forms latent images by modulating laser beamsand scanning the photoconductive drums based on image data and PDL datareceived from a user PC. An image corresponding to one page developed byapplying toner to the latent images is transferred to a sheet by heatand pressure. The plotter engine 160 is not limited to a plotter of anelectrophotographic type; the plotter engine 160 may be an inkjet typefor forming an image by jetting liquid droplets.

The FCU 140 is connected to a network via the NIC 107, and transmits andreceives image data by communication procedures according to thespecification of T.37, T.38, for example. Alternatively, the FCU 140 isconnected to a public communications network, and transmits and receivesimage data by communication procedures according to specifications ofG3, G4, for example. Furthermore, when image data is received while thepower of the MFP 100 is off, it is possible to activate the plotterengine 160 and print the image data onto a sheet.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100. The MFP 100includes an UI unit, a control unit, and hardware. The UI unit andhardware are described above. A memory 201 corresponds to the MEM-P 103and the MEM-C 104, an engine 202 corresponds to the FCU 140, the scannerengine 150, and the plotter engine 160.

The control unit includes a copy application 11, a printer application12, a fax application 13, a resource management module 14, acommunication management module 15, an engine management module 16, ajob management module 17, an authentication module 18, and a countermanagement module 19. Furthermore, the HDD 105 stores, for example,usage amount limit information 20 and device management information 21.

The copy application 11, the printer application 12, and the faxapplication 13 are examples of applications. When the user Q selects acopy button (not shown) by operating the operations panel 130, the copyapplication 11 starts operating, and when the user Q selects a printerbutton (not shown) by operating the operations panel 130, the printerapplication 12 starts operating, and when the user Q selects a faxbutton (not shown) by operating the operations panel 130, the faxapplication 13 starts operating. An OS 22 is a general-purpose operatingsystem such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes modules andsoftware of applications as processes in parallel.

The job management module 17 acquires, from the applications, jobinformation of the device cooperation job set by the user Q, and managesthe execution of jobs. Specifically, the job management module 17requests the resource management module 14 to control resources based onjob information, and controls screen display, application management,the operation panel, etc., while receiving the state of progress fromthe resource management module 14. The job management module 17 detectsthe present number of output sheets and displays the number on theoperations panel 130.

Furthermore, the job management module 17 includes a usage amountdetermining unit 32, an allocated number determining unit 31, and a userinformation sending unit 33, which may be positioned anywhere else inthe control unit. The allocated number determining unit 31 allocatesusage amounts to the respective cooperation devices within thelimitation of the usage amount limit information 20, in a manner thatthe printing time and power consumption are advantageous. The usageamount is the number of pages in the case of the printer application 12and the copy application 11, and the usage amount is the number oftransmission destinations in the case of the fax application 13. Theusage amount determining unit 32 determines whether the scheduled numberof pages to be output is less than or equal to the possible usageamount. The user information sending unit 33 sends the user informationto the MFP 2 that is to perform the device cooperation job. Details ofthe process are given below.

The resource management module 14 manages resources. When a request touse hardware resources such as the operations panel 130, the FCU 140,the scanner engine 150, the memory 201, the HDD 105, the NIC 107, theUSB device 108, the IEEE 1394 device 109, and the centronics device 110is received from the job management module 17, the resource managementmodule 14 makes adjustments among the applications and controls theapplications. Specifically, the resource management module 14 determineswhether the requested hardware resource can be used (not used accordingto another request), and when it can be used, the resource managementmodule 14 reports to the job management module 17 that the requestedhardware resource can be used. Furthermore, the resource managementmodule 14 performs usage scheduling of the hardware resource in responseto the request from the job management module 17, and controls theengine management module 16.

The engine management module 16 controls the engine according to theusage schedule secured and created by the resource management module 14.Accordingly, the scanner engine, the plotter engine (monochrome lineprinter, color line printer), and the FCU actually execute the job.

The communication management module 15 is a module for providing aservice that can be commonly used with respect to applications thatrequire a network, such as device cooperation. The communicationmanagement module 15 assigns, to the respective applications, datareceived from the network by protocols and transmits data received fromthe applications to the network. Specifically, the communicationmanagement module 15 includes server daemons such as ftpd, httpd, lpd,snmpd, telnetd, and smtpd, and client functions of the same protocol.

The authentication module 18 is a module for performing userauthentication. In the usage amount limit information 20 describedbelow, in addition to the possible usage amount for each user, the username and password are registered. The authentication module 18authenticates the user Q based on whether the combination of the username and password input to the operations panel 130 by the user Q isstored in the device cooperation system 200. Alternatively, theauthentication module 18 may authenticate the user Q by reading, with anIC card reader (not shown), a user ID stored in an IC card held by theuser Q.

When the server 1 or the server 2 functions as an authentication server,the authentication module 18 does not need to be installed in the MFP. Acase where the authentication module 18 in each MFP authenticates theuser is referred to as “local authentication”. A case where the server 1or the server 2 authenticates the user Q is referred to as “networkauthentication”. The authentication result of local authentication isvalid only in the MFP that performed the authentication, but in the caseof network authentication, the authentication result is valid in MFPs inthe network defined in advance.

The authentication module 18 reports whether authentication issuccessful to the application. When the authentication is successful,the application receives settings of execution conditions of a job, andwhen the authentication is unsuccessful, the application displays amessage such as “authentication is unsuccessful” on the display unit170.

The counter management module 19 counts the usage amount, and updatesthe usage amount in the usage amount limit information 20. A descriptionof the usage amount limit information 20 is given below.

The applications and modules in the control unit are objects having oneor more methods, which are executed as processes on the OS 22. Theprocesses are executed in units of one or more threads, and the OS 22assigns these threads to the CPU. The OS 22 manages the states of thethreads (execution state, waiting state, executable state, etc.), andcontrols the thread to be assigned to the CPU among the threads that arein an executable state, according to a logic such as priority andround-robin. Accordingly, the processing speed of parallel execution ishigher than that of parallel execution performed by switching processes.The applications and the modules transmit and receive messages byinter-process communications by executing the method.

Usage Amount Limit Information

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the usage amount limit information 20.As described above, the usage amount limit information 20 includes userinformation. In the user information, a “user name”, a “user ID”, a“log-in name”, and a “password” are registered. The “user name” is aname or a nickname by which the user Q can be easily identified. The“user ID” is one or more numbers, symbols, or alphabetical letters, or acombination thereof, whose uniqueness is ensured in the devicecooperation system. The “log-in name” is an identification name formedby one-byte letters and numbers that can be easily subjected to computerprocessing, for logging into the MFP. A “password” is one or morenumbers, symbols, or alphabetical letters, or a combination thereof, bywhich the MFP authenticates the user Q.

In the usage amount limit information 20, the “upper limit usageamount”, the “usage amount”, and the “possible usage amount” areregistered. According to the charging format, an “upper limit usageamount”, a “usage amount”, and a “possible usage amount” are registeredboth for color and monochrome.

The “upper limit usage amount” is the usage amount that the user Q canuse. The “upper limit usage amount” is defined for each user for aparticular time period, such as one year, half a year, quarter of ayear, a month, and a week. The “usage amount” is the amount that theuser Q has already used within the time period defined for the “upperlimit usage amount”. The “possible usage amount” is the amount that theuser Q can use within the time period. The relationship of “possibleusage amount”=“upper limit usage amount”−“usage amount” is satisfied.

The “possible usage amount” is updated every time a user Q uses aprinting function, etc. When the “possible usage amount” becomes zero,the job management module 17 prohibits printing. In FIG. 9, the “upperlimit usage amount”, the “usage amount”, and the “possible usage amount”are registered. However, as long as there is the “possible usageamount”, or the “upper limit usage amount” and the “usage amount”, theusage amount can be managed. When the user Q logs into the MFP andoperates the operations panel 130, the usage amount limit information 20is displayed on the display unit 170, and therefore the user Q canconfirm the “possible usage amount”.

Device Management Information

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the device management information 21.In the device management information 21, functions of the MFP itself areregistered. For example, for the function of “scan”, readable colors(full-color, black-and-white, two-color, or monochrome), the resolutions(100 through 600 dpi) that can be set at the time of scanning, and theoriginal document type corresponding to the scanning operation(characters, photograph, characters/photograph) are registered.

As the editing functions, combining plural pages (2 in ¼ in ⅛ in 1),stamp printing for printing characters and symbols on an originaldocument in a stamp format, copy guard for preventing fraudulentprinting, magnification (25% through 200%) for reducing/enlarging byimage processing, OCR for character recognition, and a PDF forconverting the file format of image data, are registered.

As the outputting functions, fax and printing are registered.Furthermore, in the fax function, a storage transmission function isregistered. In the printing function, the printing speed (60pages/minute), colors that can be output (color, black-and-white, twocolors, or monochrome), sheet sizes that can be output(automatic/A4/B4/A3), power consumption (black-and-white printing, colorprinting, time of standup), stapling, punching, and Z-folding, areregistered. As for stapling and punching, the positions on the sheet forperforming these functions are also registered.

The MFP 1 and MFP 2 exchange their device management information 21, sothat the processes that the MFP 1 can request to the MFP 2 and theprocesses that the MFP 2 can request to the MFP 1 can be managed at theMFP 1 and MFP 2. The MFP 1 and MFP 2 acquire the device managementinformation 21 of the MFPs that are registered in a list ofcommunication possible devices described below, and save the acquiredinformation in the HDD 105.

Process of Functional Blocks During Cooperation

FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between blocks when the MFP 1 andMFP 2 perform device cooperation. In FIG. 10, the same elements as thoseof FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and are notfurther described. Option trays 24 and 26 are sheet trays that can beadditionally attached, and a finisher 25 is a device for performingstapling, punching, sorting, and binding.

List of Communication Possible Devices

The communication management module 15 includes a list of communicationpossible devices 23 of other MFPs and servers that are confirmed asbeing activated. There are the two following methods for acquiring thelist of communication possible devices.

1) An administrator registers in advance in the MFP 1, the MFPs 2through 4 with which device cooperation is possible, and the MFP 1registers the MFP with which communication is possible among theregistered MFPs 2 through 4, in the list of communication possibledevices.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of IP addresses of MFPs with whichdevice cooperation is possible. In order to be able to perform devicecooperation, the MFP needs to have a function of device cooperation.Furthermore, the MFP is not to be intentionally excluded from thetargets of device cooperation by the administrator, or the MFP is to beadded as the target of device cooperation. Hereinafter, an MFP that canperform device cooperation is referred to as a “device cooperation-useMFP”. In each MFP, the IP addresses of device cooperation-use MFPs asviewed from itself are registered.

For example, when the MFP 1 is activated, the MFP 1 reports that is hasbeen activated to the device cooperation-use MFPs that are registered initself and in the network. Accordingly, when the device cooperation-useMFP is activated, the device cooperation-use MFP sends a response, andtherefore the MFP 1 registers in the list of communication possibledevices that the device cooperation-use MFP from which a response isreceived is able to communicate. Meanwhile, the device cooperation-useMFPs that are already activated receive that the MFP 1 has beenactivated and register the MFP 1 in their respective lists ofcommunication possible devices.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example of a list of communication possibledevices. The communication management module 15 registers, in the listof communication possible devices, the IP addresses of MFPs that areconfirmed as being able to communicate, among the device cooperation-useMFPs. For the IP address of an MFP that cannot be confirmed as beingable to communicate, data such as a “−” mark indicating that it is notconfirmed as being able to communicate is registered.

2) The MFP 1 detects, in the network, the MFP 2 through 4 that canperform device cooperation.

For example, when the MFP 1 is activated, the MFP 1 broadcasts abroadcast packet requesting to report an IP address to the MFPs that areable to perform device cooperation. A broadcast packet in which alltransmission addresses are “1” can inquire whether device cooperation ispossible, to all devices in the LAN 1.

Furthermore, for example, by specifying a directed broadcast address, itis possible to inquire whether device cooperation is possible, to MFPshaving network addresses that are specified regardless of routers. Thenetwork addresses in a network to which the MFPs that can perform devicecooperation belong, are known by the administrator, and therefore thesearch range can be easily identified.

More preferably, 1) and 2) are combined to detect the MFPs that canperform device cooperation. The MFP 1 registers the IP addresses of thedetected MFPs 2 through 4, in the list of communication possibledevices.

User Authentication

By the following operations described below, the user identifies theMFPs 100 for executing a device cooperation job from a list ofcommunication possible devices, and the MFPs 2 to 4 to which userinformation is sent from the MFP 1 are identified. Here, a descriptionis given of procedures performed by the MFP 2 to authenticate the userQ, assuming that the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 execute the device cooperationjob.

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart indicating procedures performed bythe MFP 1 and the MFP 2 for authenticating a user Q.

When the user Q operates the MFP 1 to execute a device cooperation job,the user Q logs into the MFP 1. Accordingly, the copy application 11sends an authentication request to the authentication module 18. Theauthentication request includes a user name and a password input by theuser Q.

The authentication module 18 determines whether the user Q can besuccessfully authenticated based on whether the combination of the username and the password is registered in the usage amount limitinformation (step S1).

When the authentication is unsuccessful (NO in step S2), the user Q doesnot have the authority to use the MFP 1, and therefore the process ofFIG. 12 ends.

When the authentication is successful (YES in step S2), the userinformation sending unit 33 of the MFP 1 sends the user information ofthe user Q to the MFP 2 (step S3). The user information to be sentincludes the user name and password necessary for user authentication asmandatory information, the log-in date, the log-in device, user type,and the authentication method. The log-in date is the date that the userQ has logged into the MFP 1 (when the authentication is successful), thelog-in device is the identification information (e.g., the IP address)of the MFP 1 which the user Q has logged into, the user type isinformation indicating the authority of the user Q such as anadministrator, and the authentication method indicates either localauthentication or network authentication. Furthermore, the user ID andthe log-in name may also be sent.

The timing at which the user information is sent after the user issuccessfully authenticated may not be immediately after the successfulauthentication; the timing may be after the devices for executing thedevice cooperation job are determined.

The MFP 2 receives the user information of the user Q (step S5). The jobmanagement module 17 of the MFP 2 sends an authentication request to theauthentication module 18.

The authentication module 18 of the MFP 2 determines whether the user Qcan be successfully authenticated based on whether the combination ofthe user name and the password is registered in the usage amount limitinformation (step S6).

The user Q sends the authentication result to the MFP 1 (step S7). TheMFP 1 receives the authentication result (step S4).

The authentication result may indicate authentication OK orauthentication NG. When the MFP 1 receives authentication OK, the MFP 1can allocate a page number to the MFP 2 and start executing the devicecooperation job. The case where the MFP 1 receives authentication NG isdescribed below.

When the MFP 1 executes the device cooperation job with two or moreMFPs, the user information sending unit 33 of the MFP 1 sends the userinformation to all of the MFPs.

Job Setting

When the authentication is successful, the copy application 11 receivesa setting of execution conditions of a job.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a menu of a device cooperation jobdisplayed on the display unit 170. For example, when the user Qinstructs copying by a device cooperation job, the user Q presses thecopy button of the operations panel 130, or calls a setting screen ofthe device cooperation job.

In the operations panel 130, for example, a device search button 301 anda function search button 302 are displayed. The device search button 301is a button for having the MFP 1 search for MFPs in the list ofcommunication possible devices. That is to say, the communicationmanagement module 15 confirms that the device cooperation job ispossible by communicating with MFPs in the list of communicationpossible devices, immediately before the device cooperation job.Meanwhile, the function search button 302 is for having the MFP 1 searchfor the MFPs 2 through 4 that can provide a function set by the user Q,from among the MFPs in the list of communication possible devices.

FIG. 13( b) illustrates an example of a “device cooperation job—devicelist” screen displayed when the user Q presses the device search button301. The MFP 1 displays a list of the MFPs 2 through 4 (two in FIG. 13)that have responded as being able to execute a device cooperation job,among the MFPs in the list of communication possible devices. Aresponding MFP sends its device name and IP address to the MFP 1. Atthis time, the responding MFP sends the device management information21. The user Q confirms that a target MFP having the desired function isin the list, and presses a condition setting button 311.

FIG. 13( d) is an example of a “cooperation job-scan setting” screendisplayed when the user Q presses the condition setting button 311. Inthis screen, a scan setting menu is displayed for each MFP. Asillustrated in FIG. 13( d), device names are displayed in the tabs 321as “OWN DEVICE (referring to MFP 1)”, “IMAGICS (MFP 2)”, and “IPUKS (MFP3)”. The user Q can select a MFP for making a scan setting by selectinga tab 321.

When the user Q selects a tab 321 of a device name, the MFP 1 displaysonly the valid menus (that can be selected) for the selected MFP, basedon the device management information 21.

The user Q can set scanning conditions such as color selection, originaldocument type, and density, from the valid menus of the selected MFP.When the user Q sets the MFP for scanning the original document and thescanning conditions, the user Q sequentially selects an edit settingbutton 322 and a print setting button 323. When the user Q selects theedit setting button 322, a menu for selecting editing functions that thedevice can provide is displayed for each MFP. Similarly, when the userselects the print setting button 323, a menu for selecting printingfunctions that the device can provide is displayed for each MFP. As forthe scan setting, the user Q can set conditions for only one MFP, but asfor the print setting and edit setting, the user Q can set conditionsfor plural MFPs or servers. Finally, by pressing an execute button 324,the device cooperation job is started.

Furthermore, FIG. 13( c) is an example of a “cooperation job-functionsearch” screen displayed when the user Q presses the function searchbutton 302. The MFP 1 displays a menu that can be set for each of theprocesses of “scanning conditions”, “editing conditions”, and “printconditions”, from the device management information 21 of other MFPsacquired in the past. The user Q selects an appropriate tab to set the“scanning conditions”, “editing conditions”, and “print conditions”which are search keys.

After setting the conditions, when the user Q presses a search button331, the MFP 1 searches the device management information 21 acquiredfrom another MFP in terms of the “scanning conditions”, “editingconditions”, and “print conditions”. By doing so, it is possible toidentify an MFP that can perform scanning according to the “scanningconditions” set by the user Q, an MFP or a server than can performediting according to the “editing conditions”, and an MFP that canperform printing according to the “print conditions”.

There are cases where the search hits plural devices matching the“scanning conditions”, plural devices matching the “editing conditions”,and plural devices matching the “print conditions”. In this case, asshown in FIG. 13( d), the MFP 1 may display all devices for each of the“scanning conditions”, “editing conditions”, and “print conditions”, ormay narrow down the number of devices to less than or equal to apredetermined number. To narrow down the number of devices to less thanor equal to a predetermined number, a method of prioritizing the deviceitself (e.g., the MFP 1), a method of prioritizing an MFP in which theresource load is decreasing, and a method of prioritizing an MFP that ispositioned at a distance near the device itself (physical distance orcommunication distance) may be performed.

The MFP 1 displays the one or more MFPs that are hit by the search on ascreen similar to FIG. 13 (d). That is to say, the MFP 1 displays theMFPs that match the conditions, by the “scan setting”, the “editsetting”, and the “print setting”. The “scanning conditions”, “editingconditions”, and “print conditions” are set in FIG. 13( c), andtherefore the user Q does not need to set the conditions again. The userQ presses an “execution” button after confirming the MFPs of theprocesses and conditions. Accordingly, the MFP 1 starts the devicecooperation job.

FIG. 14A illustrates an example of a first screen of the print setting,when the user Q presses the print setting button 323 in FIG. 13( d). InFIG. 14A, the user may select whether to set print conditions common toplural MFPs, or to set separate print conditions for the respectiveMFPs. In the case where common settings are selected, the user Q selectsmore than one MFP. In the case where separate settings are selected, theuser Q sets print conditions for the respective MFPs in the next screen.

Furthermore, when the user Q sets a copy application or a printerapplication, the MFP 1 can acquire, from the MFPs in the list ofcommunication possible devices, the elapsed time from the first printingoperation and the power consumption for restoring the temperature atwhich printing is possible (print possible temperature), and displaythese elements. During printing, a large amount of power is necessaryfor increasing the temperature of a fixing unit to the print possibletemperature (minimal printing temperature). Therefore, the powerconsumption may be reduced if the user Q selects an MFP with a shortelapsed time since the last printing operation or an MFP having lowpower consumption for restoring the print possible temperature.

FIG. 14B illustrates an example of a screen for common settings in printconditions. When the user Q selects common settings, the user Q may setprint conditions common to the MFPs, such as color/black-and-white,sheet size, number of copies, and magnification. The common printconditions are contents corresponding to the largest common denominatorof device management information received from the MFPs in the list ofcommunication possible devices. For example, when the MFP 1 can performboth color printing and black-and-white printing, and the MFP 2 can onlyperform black-and-white printing, color is not displayed in the“color/black-and-white” menu of FIG. 14B. Similarly, in the “sheet size”menu, only the sheet sizes that can be selected both in the MFP 1 andthe MFP 2 are displayed. In the magnification menu, only themagnification range that can be selected both in the MFP 1 and the MFP 2can be set. Sorting and stapling is displayed only when they can beselected both in the MFP 1 and the MFP 2.

Furthermore, the set number of copies (or number of pages) is allocatedto the MFPs that are the target of common settings. The user Q may setwhether to allocate a number of copies or a number of pages.

FIG. 14C illustrates an example of a screen for separate settings inprint conditions. When the user Q selects separate settings, generalprint conditions such as sheet size, number of copies, and magnificationmay be set for each MFP. The respective MFPs print out the number of setcopies.

Counting Usage Amount

The counter management module 19 counts the usage amount by a method setin advance. The following counting methods are merely examples;different counting methods may be used by the devices.

(1) Copy Application, Printer Application

-   -   (i) Separately count color printing and black-and-white printing    -   (ii) Count printing on one side as one page    -   (iii) Count printing on a sheet that is greater than or equal to        a predetermined sheet size (for example, A3) as two pages

(2) Fax Application (Use any of the Following Methods Set byAdministrator)

-   -   (i) Count number of pages at the time of transmission (color        printing is rarely used in fax transmission, and sheet sizes        greater than or equal to A3 are rare in fax transmission)    -   (ii) Count one transmission destination as one, regardless of        the number of pages being transmitted    -   (iii) Count the gross number of transmitted pages (number of        pages at the time of transmission×number of destinations)

In the case of a copy application or a print application, the enginemanagement module 16 or the resource management module 14 counts theprinting number by each page. Every time one page is printed or when thejob is completed, the job management module 17 acquires the number ofprinted pages, counts the printing number according to the abovecounting methods, and updates the usage amount and the possible usageamount of the usage amount limit information 20. Similarly, in the faxapplication 13, the engine management module 16 or the job managementmodule 17 counts the number of scanned original documents or the numberof pages of the image data. The job management module 17 acquires thenumber of pages when a job is completed, and updates the usage amountand the possible usage amount of the usage amount limit information 20.

Job Information

When a setting of job execution conditions is received, the copyapplication 11 in FIG. 10 sends a job execution request to the jobmanagement module 17. The job management module 17 generates jobinformation from the execution conditions.

FIGS. 15A through 15E illustrate an example of job information. Thedevice cooperation job is executed in the order of “1. input→2. edit→3.output”. For each process, a “device in charge” is registered, and inputconditions, edit conditions, and output conditions are registered.

Copy Application

FIG. 15A illustrates an example of a job of the copy application 11 inwhich only the MFP 1 performs printing, indicated as a matter ofcomparison. In the copy application, the device in charge of input isthe MFP 1, the device in charge of editing is the MFP 2, and the devicein charge of output (printing) is the MFP 1.

FIG. 15B illustrates an example of a device cooperation job of the copyapplication 11 printed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. In the copyapplication, the device in charge of input is the MFP 1, the device incharge of editing is the MFP 2, and the devices in charge of output(printing) are the MFP 1 and MFP 2. As described above, in order todivide the printing operation between the MFP 1 and MFP 2, “commonsettings” is selected in the “print settings”.

The allocated number determining unit 31 allocates a number of copies tothe respective devices in charge (print number). The method ofdetermining the number of allocated pages is described below. FIG. 15Cillustrates an example of the device cooperation job whose print numberis allocated to the MFP 1 and MFP 2. Compared to FIG. 15B, two outputprocesses are created, and the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 are set as therespective devices in charge. The method of determining the allocatedpage number is described below. The job management module 17 sends, tothe MFP 2, a print request of which the device in charge of output isthe MFP 2 together with job information (the whole job information maybe sent). In the “print setting”, when the user selects “separatesettings”, the job information of FIG. 15C is directly generated. Userauthentication is not described here.

The summary of procedures of the copy application 11 in the case of FIG.15C is described below.

1. First, the job management module 17 sends a usage request of thescanner engine of the device itself to the resource management module14. The resource management module 14 confirms that the usage flag ofthe scanner engine is not indicating “in use”, and secures the scannerengine. Next, the resource management module 14 acquires scanningconditions (double-sided scanning, original document type (characters),300 dpi, black-and-white) from the job management module 17, sets thescanning conditions in the scanner engine, and scans an originaldocument. The resource management module 14 detects that there are nomore original documents in the ADF (automatic document feeder) with asensor, and reports that scanning is completed to the job managementmodule 17. The generated image data of the original document is storedin the HDD 105. The allocated page number can be determined when thenumber of pages of the image data is known.

2. Because the device in charge of editing is the MFP 2, the jobmanagement module 17 sends the image data and the editing conditions tothe MFP 2 via the communication management module 15. The MFP 2 performsa 4-in-1 process (combining four pages onto one sheet) on the image dataand transmits the processed image data to the MFP 1. The communicationmanagement module 15 reports to the job management module 17 that theimage data has been received from the MFP 2.

The job management module 17 sends, to the MFP 2, the job informationand image data whose device in charge is the MFP 2.

3. The job management module 17 of the MFPs 1, 2 confirms whether theallocated page number is less than or equal to the possible usage amountin the usage amount limit information 20, at least before printing allpages. Specifically, the counter management module 19 counts the numberof pages to be printed, and compares this with the possible usageamount. When the counted allocated page number is greater than thepossible usage amount, the following control operations are implemented.It is defined in the setting of the MFP 1 as to which one of thefollowing control operations is to be implemented.

-   -   Print a number of pages according to the possible usage amount        set as the upper limit    -   Abort the device cooperation job without printing any pages

4. The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 sends a usagerequest of the plotter engine of the device itself to the resourcemanagement module 14. The resource management module 14 confirms thatthe usage flag of the plotter engine is not indicating “in use”, andsecures the plotter engine. Next, the resource management module 14acquires print conditions (black-and-white, three copies (MFP 1) or twocopies (MFP 2), A4, punch) from the job management module 17, sets theprint conditions in the plotter engine, and executes printing. Theresource management module 14 reports, to the job management module 17,that printing of all pages has been completed.

Fax Application

FIG. 15( d) illustrates an example of job information of a devicecooperation job of a fax application. In FIG. 15( d), the device incharge of input is the MFP 1, the device in charge of editing is the MFP1, and the devices in charge of output (fax transmission) are the MFP 1and MFP 2. In order to divide the fax transmission operation into theMFP 1 and MFP 2, the user Q sets, in the transmission setting of thescanner application, a plural number of destinations (fax numbers)corresponding to the number of copies of the copy application.

When there are plural destinations (in the case of broadcasting), theallocated number determining unit 31 determines the destinations foreach device in charge, in units of destinations. For example, when thereare two destinations, and there are two MFPs in charge of faxtransmission, each MFP becomes in charge of one destination. When thereare an N number of destinations, and there are an M number of MFPs incharge of fax transmission, each MFP become in charge of N/M number ofdestinations.

Furthermore, it is efficient to allocate a destination to an MFP that isnear the destination. For example when the MFP 1 is in Tokyo and the MFP2 is in Osaka, and the respective area codes are 03 and 06, adestination having an area code of 03 is allocated to the MFP 1, and adestination having an area code of 06 is allocated to the MFP 2. Bydoing a table in which the area codes of destinations to be handled byeach MFP is prepared.

FIG. 15E illustrates an example of a device cooperation job whosedestinations are allocated to the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. Compared to FIG.15D, two output processes are created, and MFP 1 and MFP 2 arerespectively set as the device in charge of each output process. The jobmanagement module 17 sends, to the MFP 2, the job information whosedevice in charge of output is the MFP 2 (the whole job information maybe sent).

In the case of FIG. 15E, the procedures of the fax application arebriefly described below. User authentication is not described here.

1. The input process is the same as the case of the copy application.The image data of an original document generated by scanning is storedin the HDD 105.

2. The job management module 17 enlarges the image data by 120% becausethe device in charge of editing is the MFP 1.

The job management module 17 sends, to the MFP 2, the job informationand image data whose device in charge is the MFP 2.

3. The job management modules 17 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 confirm thatthe number of pages is less than or equal to the possible usage amountof the usage amount limit information 20 before starting faxtransmission. When the number of pages is greater than the possibleusage amount, the following control operations are implemented. It isdefined in the setting of the MFP 1 as to which one of the followingcontrol operations is to be implemented.

-   -   Perform fax transmission according to the possible usage amount        set as the upper limit    -   Abort the device cooperation job without performing fax        transmission

4. The job management modules 17 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 send a usagerequest for using the FCU 140 in the device itself to the resourcemanagement module 14. The resource management module 14 confirms thatthe usage flag of the FCU 140 is not indicating “in use”, and securesthe FCU 140. Next, the resource management module 14 acquires the faxtransmission conditions (fax number of destination) from the jobmanagement module 17, sets the fax transmission conditions in the FCU140, and executes printing. The resource management module 14 reportsthat fax transmission of all pages has been completed to the jobmanagement module 17.

Operation Procedures when MFP 1 and MFP 2 Execute Device Cooperation Job

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. Here, the copy application 11 istaken as an example.

The authentication module 18 authenticates the user Q, and reports theauthentication result to the copy application (step S10).

When the authentication is successful, the user Q sets job executionconditions. The copy application sends a job execution request for thedevice cooperation job to the job management module (step S20).

The job management module 17 executes an input process in cooperationwith the resource management module 14 and the engine management module16 (step S30). By scanning an original document and generating imagedata, the number of pages of the image data is defined. Specifically,when the conditions include 50 sheets of original documents,double-sided scanning, combining 4-in-1, single-sided printing, andprinting five copies, the number of pages per copy is calculated asfollows.

50×2(double-sided)/4=25 pages

Therefore, in the case of five copies, the number of pages is calculatedas follows.

25 pages×5 copies=125 pages

Next, the job management module 17 requests the counter managementmodule 19 to acquire the usage amount limit information 20 (step S40).

The counter management module 19 reads the possible usage amount fromthe usage amount limit information 20, and sends the possible usageamount to the job management module 17 (step S50).

Next, the user information sending unit 33 requests the communicationmanagement module 15 to authenticate the user Q of the MFP 2 (step S60).This request includes user information. The communication managementmodule 15 of the MFP 1 sends an authentication request for the user Q tothe communication management module 15 of the MFP 2 (step S70). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 2 sends an authenticationrequest for the user Q to the authentication module 18 (step S80).

The authentication module 18 of the MFP 2 authenticates the user Q (stepS90). The authentication module 18 sends the authentication result tothe job management module 17 of the MFP 1 (steps S100 through S120).Here, it is assumed that the authentication is successful.

Next, the job management module 17 requests the communication managementmodule 15 to acquire the device management information 21 from the MFP 2(step S130). The communication management module 15 communicates withthe communication management module 15 of the MFP 2 (step S140). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 2 requests the resourcemanagement module 14 to provide the device management information 21(step S150). The resource management module 14 is not shown in FIGS. 16Aand 16B. The resource management module 14 reads the device managementinformation 21 and sends the device management information 21 to thecommunication management module 15 (step S160). The communicationmanagement module 15 of the MFP 2 sends the device managementinformation 21 to the communication management module 15 of the MFP 1(step S170). The communication management module 15 of the MFP 1 sendsthe device management information 21 of the MFP 2 to the job managementmodule 17 (step S180).

Here, the job management module 17 determines the allocated page numberfor the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 if necessary. “If necessary” means when theuser has selected common settings in FIG. 14A. When the user hasselected separate settings, the number of copies of the MFP 1 and theMFP 2 are set by the user, and therefore the job management module 17does not need to determine the allocated page numbers for the MFP 1 andthe MFP 2.

When determining the allocated page number, the allocated numberdetermining unit 31 of the job management module 17 determines theallocated page number for the MFP 2 based on the device managementinformation 21 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (step S190). For example,there are the following three methods of determining the allocated pagenumber.

a) Determining Number of Pages to be Allocated Based on Printing Speed

The allocated number determining unit 31 determines the number of pagesto be allocated to the MFP 2 so that the printing is completed mostquickly. The printing is completed most quickly when the MFP 1 and theMFP 2 complete printing at substantially the same time, and thereforethe number of pages to be allocated to the MFP 2 may be determined bythe following formula. It is assumed that the printing speed of the MFP1 is n1 sheets/minute, the printing speed of the MFP 2 is n2sheets/minute, and the total number of pages is N. The result is roundedup.

Number of pages to be allocated to MFP 2=N×{n2/(n1+n2)}

When one copy is printed, N=number of pages (25 pages as describedabove). When plural copies are printed, N=number of copies (five copiesas described above), which is divided by the number of MFPs cooperatingwith each other, and the remainder is allocated to the MFP having ahigher printing speed, so that the pages can be allocated in units ofcopies. That is to say, 5÷2=2.5, and therefore two copies are allocatedto the MFP 1 and three copies are allocated to the MFP 2 (when the MFP 2has a higher printing speed).

When plural copies are printed and N=number of pages, and the number ofpages allocated to the MFP 2 is not an integral multiple of 25 pages,the 25 pages corresponding to one copy is allocated to the MFP 1 and theMFP 2. That is to say, the quotient and remainder obtained from thenumber of pages allocated to the MFP 2÷25 pages, and the quotient andremainder obtained from the number of pages allocated to the MFP 1÷25pages, are calculated. The MFP 2 prints a number of copies correspondingto the quotient and a number of pages corresponding to the remainder(for example, pages of low numbers), and the MFP 1 prints a number ofcopies corresponding to the quotient and a number of pages correspondingto the remainder (for example, pages of high numbers).

By determining the number of pages to be allocated according to theprinting speed, the time taken to complete a job can be minimized.

When there are three devices used for printing, the followingcalculation is performed.

Number of pages allocated to MFP 1=N×{n1/(n1+n2+n3)}

Number of pages allocated to MFP 2=N×{n2/(n1+n2+n3)}

Number of pages allocated to MFP 3=N×{n3/(n1+n2+n3)}

b) Determining Number of Pages to be Allocated Based on Printing PowerConsumption

When the power consumption is different when printing with the MFP 1 andthe MFP 2, the job can be executed by minimum power consumption byprinting all of the pages with the MFP of lower power consumption. Inthis case, the printing cannot be divided among plural MFPs, andtherefore the printing time is longer. However, when the printing isswitched between color printing and black-and-white printing in units ofcopies, power consumption can be minimized by printing the copiesspecified as color with the MFP having low power consumption for colorprinting, and printing the copies specified as black-and-white with theMFP having low power consumption for black-and-white printing. Forexample, when the power consumption for color printing of the MFP 1 is40 W·h, the power consumption for black-and-white printing of the MFP 1is 10 W·h, the power consumption for color printing of the MFP 2 is 30W·h, and the power consumption for black-and-white printing of the MFP 2is 13 W·h, the allocated number determining unit 31 allocates the copiesspecified as color printing to the MFP 2, and allocates the copiesspecified as black-and-white printing to the MFP 1.

Furthermore, when monochrome printing of either color or black-and-whiteis performed, the printing speed can be weighted by the powerconsumption to determine the number of pages to be allocated to the MFP2. For example, assuming the power consumption of color orblack-and-white of the MFP 1 is w1 W·h, and the power consumption ofcolor or black-and-white of the MFP 2 is w2 W·h, the weighted printingspeed is calculated as follows. That is to say, by weighting theprinting speed by a lower weight as the power consumption is higher, itis possible to decrease the number of pages allocated to the MFP havinghigh power consumption.

Printing speed of MFP 1=n1{w1/(w1+w2)}

Printing speed of MFP 2=n2{w2/(w1+w2)}

c) Determining Number of Pages to be Allocated Based on Equal Allocation

When the number of pages is allocated equally, the MFP 1 does not needto acquire the device information of the MFP 2, and the total number ofpages is to be divided by the number of MFPs.

When the allocated page number is determined, the usage amountdetermining unit 32 of the job management module 17 determines whetherthe allocated page number allocated to the MFP 1 is less than or equalto the possible usage amount of the MFP 1 for the user Q (step S200).

When the allocated page number of the MFP 1 is less than or equal to thepossible usage amount of the MFP 1 for the user Q, the job managementmodule 17 of the MFP 1 collaborates with the resource management module14 and the engine management module 16 to print the allocated pagenumber (step S240). The job management module 17 reports the printresults in units of output to the counter management module 19 (stepS241). The counter management module 19 updates the possible usageamount of the MFP 1 in units of output (step S242).

When the allocated page number of the MFP 1 is not less than or equal tothe possible usage amount of the MFP 1, for example, the job managementmodule 17 displays an error message on the display unit, and asks theuser whether to perform printing partway or to cancel the job.

Before the printing, or at the same time as the printing, the jobmanagement module 17 requests the communication management module 15 tosend image data (S210). The communication management module 15 of theMFP 1 sends the image data to the communication management module 15 ofthe MFP 2 (step S220). The communication management module 15 of the MFP2 sends the image data to the job management module 17 (step S230).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 requests the communicationmanagement module 15 to send job information of the output process amongall the job information, including the allocated page number of the MFP2 (step S250). The communication management module 15 sends the jobinformation to the communication management module 15 of the MFP 2 (stepS260). The communication management module 15 of the MFP 2 sends the jobinformation to the job management module 17 (step S270).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 2 requests the countermanagement module 19 to acquire the usage amount limit information 20(step S280). The counter management module 19 reads the possible usageamount from the usage amount limit information 20, and sends thepossible usage amount to the job management module 17 (step S290).

The usage amount determining unit 32 of the job management module 17 ofthe MFP 2 determines whether the allocated page number allocated to theMFP 2 is less than or equal to the possible usage amount of the MFP 2(step S300).

When the allocated page number of the MFP 2 is less than or equal to thepossible usage amount of the MFP 2, the job management module 17collaborates with the resource management module 14 and the enginemanagement module 16 to print the allocated page number (step S310).

When the allocated page number of the MFP 2 is not less than or equal tothe possible usage amount of the MFP 2, for example, the job managementmodule 17 reports this to the MFP 1, and displays an error message onthe display unit, and asks the user whether to perform printing partwayor to cancel the job.

The job management module 17 of the MFP 2 reports the print results inunits of output to the counter management module 19 (step S311). Thecounter management module 19 updates the possible usage amount of theMFP 2 in units of output (step S312).

When printing of the allocated page number is completed, the jobmanagement module 17 of the MFP 2 sends the print execution result tothe communication management module 15 (step S320). The communicationmanagement module 15 sends the print execution result to thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 (step S330). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 sends the printexecution result to the job management module 17 (step S340).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 waits for the printing of thedevice itself to end, and sends the job execution result to the copyapplication (step S350).

As described above, in the device cooperation system 200 according tothe present embodiment, the MFP 2 that is not directly operated by theuser Q authenticates the user Q, and the MFP 2 subtracts the possibleusage amount of the user Q, and therefore the usage amount can bemanaged in the device cooperation job.

In FIGS. 16A and 16B, a copy application is taken as an example, but thesame procedures are performed in the case of a fax application, exceptthat the method of determining the allocated page number is different.

Case where MFP 2 Cannot Authenticate User Q—Part 1—

A description is given of a case where the MFP 2 cannot authenticate theuser Q. If the user Q cannot authenticate the user Q, it is assumed thatthe MFP 2 is not supposed to print the allocated page number allocatedto the user Q. Accordingly, a description is given of a devicecooperation system, in which the MFP 1 cancels the execution of thedevice cooperation job when the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the user Q.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating procedures of authenticatinga user Q and executing a device cooperation job performed by the MFP 1and the MFP 2. In FIG. 17, the procedures up to step S120 are the sameas those of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

The authentication module 18 of the MFP 2 authenticates the user Q (stepS90). When the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication module18 sends an authentication result indicating authentication NG to thejob management module 17 of the MFP 1 (steps S100 through S120).

As the authentication is unsuccessful, the job management module 17 ofthe MFP 1 cancels the job (step S121). Furthermore, the job managementmodule 17 displays an error message on the display unit (step S122). Anexample of this message is “The cooperating device was unable toauthenticate the user. The job will be cancelled.” The user Q views theerror message, and may take other measures such as selecting anotherdevice (MFP 3) or executing the job only with the MFP 1.

According to the process of FIG. 17, the user that cannot beauthenticated by the MFP 2 is prohibited from using the MFP 2, andtherefore the usage amount can be accurately limited.

Case where MFP 2 Cannot Authenticate User Q—Part 2—

When the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the user Q, it is assumed that theMFP 2 is not supposed to print the allocated page number allocated tothe user Q. However, the MFP 1 can count the usage amount, and thereforethere is no problem in the MFP 1 executing the job. Furthermore, if theuser Q can set whether to execute a job at the MFP 1, convenience isenhanced. Accordingly, a description is given of a device cooperationsystem, in which the MFP 1 asks the user Q of the measure to be taken,when the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the user Q.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. In FIGS. 18A and 18B, theprocedures up to step S120 are the same as those of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

The authentication is unsuccessful, and therefore the job managementmodule 17 of the MFP 1 displays an error message on the display unit(step S123). The message is, for example,

“The cooperating device cannot authenticate the user. Cancel job? Pleaseselect YES or NO.”

When the user Q selects “YES”, the job management module 17 cancels thejob as described with reference to FIG. 17.

When the user Q selects “NO”, the job management module 17 displays thefollowing message, for example.

“Execute entire job with this MFP? Please select YES or NO.”

When the user Q selects “NO”, the job management module 17 cancels thejob as described with reference to FIG. 17.

When the user Q selects “YES”, the job management module 17 executes thejob with a single MFP. When the job is executed with a single MFP, theusage amount determining unit 32 of the job management module 17collaborates with the resource management module 14 and the enginemanagement module 16 to print the total number of pages (step S240-2).

The job management module 17 reports the print results in units ofoutput to the counter management module 19 (step S241). The countermanagement module 19 updates the possible usage amount of the MFP 1 inunits of output (step S242).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 waits for the printing of thedevice itself to end, and sends the job execution result to the copyapplication (step S350).

According to the process of FIGS. 18A and 18B, when the MFP 2 cannotauthenticate a user, the MFP 2 cannot execute the job, and therefore theusage amount can be accurately limited. Furthermore, the user can printthe total number of pages with the MFP 1, and therefore the convenienceis prevented from deteriorating.

Case where MFP 2 Cannot Authenticate User Q—Part 3—

When the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the user Q, the MFP 2 cannot printthe allocated page number allocated to the user Q, but there may be afinishing process that is only effective in the MFP 2. In this case, itwould be convenient if the user Q can use the MFP 2. Meanwhile, if theMFP 2 performs the printing, the MFP 2 has not authenticated the user Q,and therefore the printed pages cannot be subtracted from the possibleusage amount. Accordingly, a description is given of a devicecooperation system, in which when the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the userQ, the MFP 1 and 2 execute the device cooperation job, but the MFP 1subtracts the usage amount of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 from the possibleusage amount of the MFP 1.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. In FIGS. 19A and 19B, theprocedures up to step S120 are the same as those of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

The authentication module 18 of the MFP 2 authenticates the user Q (stepS90). When the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication module18 sends an authentication result indicating authentication NG to thejob management module 17 of the MFP 1 (step S100 through S120).

When the authentication is unsuccessful, the job management module 17 ofthe MFP 1 requests printing of the allocated page number allocated tothe MFP 2 without limiting the usage amount, and subtracts the totalnumber of printed pages from the possible usage amount of the MFP 1.

First, the job management module 17 requests the communicationmanagement module 15 to acquire the device management information 21from the MFP 2 (step S130). The communication management module 15requests the communication management module 15 of the MFP 2 to send thedevice management information (step S140). The communication managementmodule 15 of the MFP 2 requests the resource management module 14 toprovide the device management information 21 (step S150). The resourcemanagement module 14 is not shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The resourcemanagement module 14 reads the device management information 21 andsends the device management information 21 to the communicationmanagement module 15 (step S160). The communication management module 15of the MFP 2 sends the device management information 21 to thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 (step S170). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 sends the devicemanagement information 21 of the MFP 2 to the job management module 17(step S180).

Next, the allocated number determining unit 31 of the job managementmodule 17 determines the allocated page number for the MFP 2 from thedevice management information 21 of the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 (step S190).Details are given above and are thus not further described.

When the allocated page number is determined, the usage amountdetermining unit 32 of the job management module 17 determines whetherthe total number of pages is less than or equal to the possible usageamount of the MFP 1 (step S202).

When the total number of pages is less than or equal to the possibleusage amount of the MFP 1, the job management module 17 requests thecommunication management module 15 to send image data (S210). Thecommunication management module 15 sends the image data to thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 2 (step S220). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 2 sends the image data tothe job management module 17 (step S230).

When the total number of pages is not less than or equal to the possibleusage amount of the MFP 1, for example, the job management module 17displays an error message on the display unit, and asks the user whetherto perform printing partway or to cancel the job.

The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 collaborates with the resourcemanagement module 14 and the engine management module 16 to print theallocated page number (step S240). The job management module 17 reportsthe print results in units of output to the counter management module 19(step S241). The counter management module 19 updates the usage amountof the MFP 1 in units of output (step S242).

Before the printing, or at the same time as the printing, the jobmanagement module 17 of the MFP 1 requests the communication managementmodule 15 to send job information of the output process among all thejob information, including the allocated page number of the MFP 2 (stepS250). The job information includes an instruction prohibiting thesubtraction of the usage amount.

The communication management module 15 sends the job information to thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 2 (step S260). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 2 sends the jobinformation to the job management module 17 (step S270).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 2 does not need to read theusage amount limit information, or to determine whether the allocatedpage number allocated to the MFP 2 is less than or equal to the possibleusage amount of the MFP 2.

The job management module 17 of the MFP 2 collaborates with the resourcemanagement module 14 and the engine management module 16 to print theallocated page number (step S310).

When printing of the allocated page number is completed, the jobmanagement module 17 of the MFP 2 sends the print execution result tothe communication management module 15 (step S320). The communicationmanagement module 15 sends the print execution result to thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 (step S330). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 sends the printexecution result to the job management module 17 (step S340).

The job management module 17 reports the execution result of the MFP 2to the counter management module 19 (step S341), and the countermanagement module 19 collectively updates the possible usage amount ofthe MFP 2 (step S342).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 waits for the printing of thedevice itself to end, and sends the job execution result to the copyapplication (step S350).

According to the process of FIGS. 19A and 19B, the MFP 1 collectivelymanages the usage amounts of the device cooperation system, andtherefore even if the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the user, the MFP 1 andthe MFP 2 can execute the device cooperation job.

Case where MFP 2 Cannot Authenticate User Q—Part 4—

There may be cases where each MFP manages the possible usage amount fora guest. The possible usage amount of a guest is set so that a user canuse the MFP during a business trip, for example.

When the MFP 2 cannot authenticate the user Q, by using this possibleusage amount of a guest, the MFP 2 can print the allocated page number.Accordingly, a description is given of a device cooperation system, inwhich the usage amount is subtracted from the possible usage amount fora guest.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a sequence diagram illustrating proceduresof authenticating a user Q and executing a device cooperation jobperformed by the MFP 1 and the MFP 2. In FIGS. 20A and 20B, theprocedures up to step S120 are the same as those of FIGS. 16A and 16B.

The authentication module 18 of the MFP 2 authenticates the user Q (stepS90). When the authentication is unsuccessful, the authentication module18 sends an authentication result indicating authentication NG to thejob management module 17 of the MFP 1 (step S100 through S120).

When the authentication is unsuccessful, the job management module 17 ofthe MFP 1 requests the MFP 2 to print the allocated page number withinthe possible usage amount for a guest. Therefore, the subsequent processis the same as that of FIGS. 16A and 16B, except that the target ofsubtraction is the possible usage amount for a guest, instead of thepossible usage amount of the MFP 2.

That is to say, in step S280, the job management module 17 of the MFP 2requests the counter management module 19 to acquire the usage amountlimit information 20 for a guest (step S280). The counter managementmodule 19 reads the possible usage amount for a guest from the usageamount limit information 20, and sends the possible usage amount to thejob management module 17 (step S290).

The usage amount determining unit 32 of the job management module 17 ofthe MFP 2 determines whether the allocated page number allocated to theMFP 2 is less than or equal to the possible usage amount for the guest(step S300).

When the allocated page number of the MFP 2 is less than or equal to thepossible usage amount for the guest, the job management module 17collaborates with the resource management module 14 and the enginemanagement module 16 to print the allocated page number (step S310).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 2 reports the print results inunits of output to the counter management module 19 (step S311). Thecounter management module 19 updates the usage amount for the guest inunits of output (step S312).

When printing of the allocated page number is completed, the jobmanagement module 17 of the MFP 2 sends the print execution result tothe communication management module 15 (step S320). The communicationmanagement module 15 sends the print execution result to thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 (step S330). Thecommunication management module 15 of the MFP 1 sends the printexecution result to the job management module 17 (step S340).

The job management module 17 of the MFP 1 waits for the printing of thedevice itself to end, and sends the job execution result to the copyapplication (step S350).

According to the process of FIGS. 20A and 20B, even if the MFP 2 cannotauthenticate the user Q, the MFP 1 and the MFP 2 can execute the devicecooperation job within the possible usage amount for the guest.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a devicecooperation system and a function providing method are provided, bywhich the usage amount of a user can be limited when device cooperationis performed, even when there is no server used for authentication.

The device cooperation system and function providing method are notlimited to the specific embodiments described herein, and variations andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

The present application is based on Japanese Priority Patent ApplicationNo. 2011-194974, filed on Sep. 7, 2011, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. A device cooperation system comprising: plural devices connected viaa network, which take partial charge of providing a function of theplural devices, wherein a first device operated by a user includes afirst authentication unit configured to authenticate the user, anacquiring unit configured to acquire image data that is an outputtarget, an output condition receiving unit configured to receive anoutput condition used when the first device and at least one seconddevice output the image data, a first operation control unit configuredto control an output operation of the first device based on the outputcondition, and send an output request to the at least one second device,a first storage unit configured to store a first possible output amountthat the user can output with the first device, an allocation numberdetermining unit configured to determine a first output number to beallocated to the first device and a second output number to be allocatedto the at least one second device, a data communication unit configuredto send the image data, the second output number, and user informationof the user to the at least one second device, a first output unitconfigured to output an output object corresponding to the first outputnumber, when the first output number is less than or equal to the firstpossible output amount, and a first possible output amount update unitconfigured to update the first possible output amount according to anoutput number output by the first device, and the at least one seconddevice includes a second authentication unit configured to authenticatethe user based on the user information received from the first device, asecond storage unit configured to store a second possible output amountthat the user can output with the at least one second device, a secondoperation control unit configured to control an output operation of theat least one second device in response to the output request from thefirst device, when the second authentication unit determines thatauthentication of the user is successful, a second output unitconfigured to output an output object corresponding to the second outputnumber, when the second output number is less than or equal to thesecond possible output amount, and a second possible output amountupdate unit configured to update the second possible output amountaccording to an output number output by the at least one second device,only when the second authentication unit determines that authenticationof the user is successful.
 2. The device cooperation system according toclaim 1, wherein when the second authentication unit determines thatauthentication of the user is unsuccessful, the second authenticationunit reports the unsuccessful authentication to the first device, thefirst operation control unit outputs, by the first output unit, anoutput object corresponding to a total of the first output number andthe second output number, when the total of the first output number andthe second output number is less than or equal to the first possibleoutput amount, and the first possible output amount update unit updatesthe first possible output amount according to the output number outputby the first device.
 3. The device cooperation system according to claim1, wherein when the second authentication unit determines thatauthentication of the user is unsuccessful, the second authenticationunit reports the unsuccessful authentication to the first device, thesecond operation control unit outputs, by the second output unit, theoutput object corresponding to the second output unit, regardless ofwhether the second output number is less than or equal to the secondpossible output amount, the second possible output amount update unitdoes not update the second possible output amount, and the firstpossible output amount update unit updates the first possible outputamount according to the output number output by the first device, andupdates the first possible output amount according to the output numberallocated to and output by the at least one second device.
 4. The devicecooperation system according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unitstores an arbitrary user possible output amount that an arbitrary usercan output with the at least one second device, when the secondauthentication unit determines that authentication of the user isunsuccessful, the second authentication unit reports the unsuccessfulauthentication to the first device, the second operation control unitoutputs the second output number by controlling the output operation ofthe at least one second device, in response to the output request usingthe arbitrary user possible output amount from the first device, and thesecond possible output amount update unit updates the arbitrary userpossible output amount according to the output number allocated to andoutput by the at least one second device.
 5. The device cooperationsystem according to claim 1, wherein when the second authentication unitdetermines that authentication of the user is unsuccessful, the secondauthentication unit reports the unsuccessful authentication to the firstdevice, and the first operation control unit cancels the outputoperation of the first device and does not send the output request tothe at least one second device.
 6. The device cooperation systemaccording to claim 1, wherein when the second authentication unitdetermines that authentication of the user is unsuccessful, the secondauthentication unit reports the unsuccessful authentication to the firstdevice, and the first operation control unit asks the user whether tocancel the output operation.
 7. The device cooperation system accordingto claim 6, wherein when an instruction to continue the output operationand not to cancel the output operation is received, the first operationcontrol unit asks the user whether to output, with the first device, anoutput object corresponding to the first output number and the secondoutput number.
 8. The device cooperation system according to claim 1,wherein the acquiring unit is a scanner device that takes an image of anoriginal document to acquire the image data, or a data communicationdevice that acquires the image data from a terminal.
 9. The devicecooperation system according to claim 8, wherein the first output unitand the second output unit are a printing device that forms an image ona recording medium or a fax transmission device that transmits the imagedata via a telephone line or an IP network.
 10. A function providingmethod by which plural devices connected via a network take partialcharge of providing a function of the plural devices, the functionproviding method comprising: authenticating a user operating a firstdevice, performed by a first authentication unit; acquiring image datathat is an output target, performed by an acquiring unit; receiving anoutput condition used when the first device and at least one seconddevice output the image data, performed by an output condition receivingunit; controlling an output operation of the first device based on theoutput condition and sending an output request to the at least onesecond device, performed by a first operation control unit; determininga first output number to be allocated to the first device and a secondoutput number to be allocated to the at least one second device,performed by an allocation number determining unit; outputting an outputobject corresponding to the first output number performed by a firstoutput unit, when the first output number is less than or equal to afirst possible output amount stored in a first storage unit, the firstpossible output amount being an amount that the user can output with thefirst device; sending the image data, the second output number, and userinformation of the user to the at least one second device, performed bya data communication unit; updating the first possible output amountaccording to an output number output by the first device, performed by afirst possible output amount update unit; acquiring the user informationof the user from the first device and authenticating the user, performedby a second authentication unit of the at least one second device;controlling an output operation of the at least one second device inresponse to the output request from the first device performed by asecond operation control unit, when the second authentication unitdetermines that authentication of the user is successful; outputting anoutput object corresponding to the second output number performed by asecond output unit, when the second output number is less than or equalto a second possible output amount stored in a second storage unit, thesecond possible output amount being an amount that the user can outputwith the at least one second device; and updating the second possibleoutput amount according to an output number output by the at least onesecond device performed by a second possible output amount update unit,only when the second authentication unit determines that authenticationof the user is successful.